Posted on: Wednesday, June 9, 2004

EDITORIAL
Mesmerized by lava? Don't forget it's hot

Naturally, thousands of locals and tourists will be wanting to make the two-mile trek down the Big Island's Chain of Craters Road to see the spectacular lava flow along the Wilipe'a delta.

Knock yourselves out. But just for the record, allow us to remind you that lava is hot — red hot, actually, at 2,100 degrees.

You wouldn't believe how many folks in their anticipation to get close to the molten rock that bubbles through the Earth's fissures actually try to touch the stuff or spill water on it, and become startled when it spits back.

Moreover, volcanic gases can play havoc on your respiratory system. If you have asthma, keep a safe distance.

As for the lava fields that you scramble over to get to the molten lava, you might as well be walking on jagged glass: stumble and you can lose a lot of skin.

Walk only on trails designated as safe by park rangers. And stay away from the thin warm crusts that can collapse under your feet. If heat or gas is escaping, there may be hot lava underneath.

Safety tips aside, each new flow from Kilauea is pretty much the best show in town. Pele never fails to amaze us, but she doesn't suffer fools.